"Pittsburgh's Black and Gold" is the resurrection of a magazine that was first published in the late 70s, and ended after only a five year run. Today, nearly 30 years later and in a totally new medium, it is once again being published by Angelo Spagnolo, a lifelong Pittsburgher and avid sports fan of all teams "Black and Gold". This site is a tribute to Pittsburgh, where the home teams all wear the same uniform colors. "It's a hard-drinkin' town with an all Pittsburgh sports problem!!!"

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Despite reports to the contrary, NO, I'M NOT DEAD!!! It might seem that way since it's been a week since I last posted here, but alas and alack I had to do something really boring last week, like making a living!

So I'm on my way home today and in between flights (there's no such thing anymore as a direct flight) and I thought I'd take advantage of the internet thingie here and try to get caught up a little...

Here's a great suggestion for you the next time that you're traveling: Bring a couple Steeler shirts with you, not the game jersey, something simple like a black shirt with a small Steeler logo on the front, then get ready to hear the comments!

ABOVE: No, I don't have this shirt, but this sucker's nice!

I left Pittsburgh before the San Diego game, so all was not happy and chipper in Steelerland. When I was going through "Checkpoint Charlie" at Pittsburgh International, a black, pudgy, security guard, upon seeing my shirt said, "That's what I love to see, a man who loves the black and gold no matter what!" As I was putting my shoes back on (a process that causes me to constantly curse terrorists over) I replied, "Hey, I'm no fair-weather fan. I've been a Steeler fan for life."

This guard (by now assured that I was no threat to the national security) continued, "My wife taught me how to get on Facebook and you should hear the people crying on there! Hey be a fan or don't be a fan, right?"

"You got that right my brother. I feel bad for San Diego too. They're going to get the brunt of two weeks worth of frustration this week," I said.

"No doubt, no doubt." We parted company as members of the same brotherhood called "Steeler Nation".

At my final destination in Texas, I found myself in an Enterprise Rent-A-Car location and the manager there was a handsome, athletic-looking young African-American whose eyes lit up when he saw my Steeler logo. "Hey, Pittsburgh Steelers! My best friend just got a job playing for them!" "Who's that," I asked? "My man Ziggy Hood. I played with him at Missouri."

The recent Mizzou graduate, Justin Scott, explained that he had played free safety on Ziggy's defense. "Man he's really intense. You guys are really getting a good player."

Above Left: Justin Scott. The former Tiger is well into his "life's work" (as Chuck Noll used to call it) by managing an Enterprise facility.

I explained that in the true Steeler tradition that Ziggy was "learning" this year and according to the "D" linemen, he was doing terrific. "Just wait until next year. You'll start seeing him beginning to making a gigantic contribution."

As dinner approached I went into one of Houston's finer restaurants, the Post Oak Grill. The waiter, a 35-40 year-old fellow named Jade Castleberry, was most gracious. However, I couldn't help but notice that under his white apron that he wore (gasp) an Oakland Raiders tie. "Good Lord," I thought, "What a thing to wear!"

After he had refilled my drink, I said to him, "I realize that you're a fan of the Raiders, but can you tell me one good reason why you are still a supporter of that team?" "All we can hope for is that some day Al Davis dies. But I think his mother lived to be over a hundred, so it might be awhile. He has no heirs either, nobody to turn the team over to. Why do you ask, what team do you like," he asked?

By this time of the day I was now wearing a sportcoat over my black Steeler shirt. I slowly opened the jacket to reveal my beloved logo. It was like a vampire suddenly seeing a crucifix.

"STEELERS! Oh I should have known! We're still trying to figure out that "Immaculate Deception" when we got robbed by Franco and the officials." The conversation then went into a lengthy discussion of past (and present) bitterness between the fans, dirty tricks (by both sides) and how in "the good old days" the AFC title was always decided between Pittsburgh and Oakland. I also told him how much we loved John Madden here (the crybaby) and how Pittsburgh still decides who wins the title unlike the Raiders.

An engaging waiter he most certainly was, one of the best. Lucky for him that it was a Tuesday night and things weren't that busy so that he could pontificate at length on his beloved Raiders. Unfortunately though, I had to withhold any tip because of his team allegiance (only kidding of course).

The following Sunday, I found my way to St. Michael's Church for the 9:00 Mass. I was wearing a black Steeler logo shirt (no, it wasn't the same one). In the vestibule of the church, the parish priest (actually his name was Father Michael too) saw my shirt and said, "Ah, Pittsburgh! Are you visiting?" "Yes Father, I'm here on business," I said. "I spent 18 years in Pittsburgh at Duquesne University," he said. "I just loved the city and I still love the Steelers."

Later, during the "Handshake of Peace," the fellow in front of me turned around to greet me and seeing my small Steeler logo remarked, "Hey, you're from Pittsburgh! I grew up in Upper St. Clair!"

And so it continued to go. That night I watched the game at a friend's place and was relieved to see the Steelers trouncing the Chargers so convincingly. I didn't know about Willie Parker's foot injury, so I was surprised to see Rashard Mendenhall playing such a huge roll, especially after being called out the week before by Mike Tomlin. I guess some guys just need a kick in the rump every once in a while. It certainly did Mendenhall's career a lot of good. He looked great as did the offensive line. Thank goodness. Now we can move on to hearing Steeler fans complain about something other than the offensive line and the running game. I know, let's all jump on Limas Sweed's back!

ABOVE: True, the fourth quarter remains a "Little Shop of Horrors" for the Steelers, but as they proved against San Diego, if you kill the other team for three quarters, it doesn't matter, you still win.

I know, I know. The fourth quarter has become a "Little Shop of Horrors" recently, but at least we got out of this tough game with a "W". We have a couple "easy" games against Detroit and Cleveland, two of the five worst teams in the NFL, before going up against one of the best this season, the Minnie Vikes. I hope our players can remain focused and uninjured during these next two games. As the Bengals found out against the Browns, on any given Sunday, anything can happen in the NFL, so you can't take any win for granted (see Redskins, Washington).

One thing is for certain, wearing the Black & Gold's logo will always get you a reaction, wherever you go around the United States...they're calling my flight now (finally) so I have to go. One thing's for certain, it'll be good to be getting back to the Burgh!

"I hear you could scratch my back with a hacksaw!!!"

Mellon Arena

Another Pittsburgh Icon soon to be blown up. They should've made this into the "North Pole Casino". It would've been great!

Chuck Tanner Figurine

Quite possibly the worst sports likeness ever foisted upon the figurine-bobblehead collecting public

Pittsburgh Icon WITH HIS ICON

Waving The Icon He Created ! God Bless You Myron!

Help Spread The Word!

If you're a new reader of "Pittsburgh's Black and Gold" I'd love to hear your comments! You can either leave a comment on an individual article or email me directly if you have a story or link at: angelospagnolo66@hotmail.com. I hope you enjoy reading "Pittsburgh's Black and Gold" as much as I enjoy composing it!

Jack "Splat" Lambert

"Count Dracula In Cleats". I wonder how he feels about Hines Ward getting fined for hitting people too hard?

Maz Bobblehead

Doesn't Look Like Him at all.

"The Mendoza Line"

Baseball's Equivalent of the Worst Avid Golfer. I'd like to meet him, but it could cause a crack in the "space-time continuum".

"The Poison Brothers"

We Miss You Myron

About Me

I'm well known for my golf exploits as "America's Worst Avid Golfer" (Golf Digest Magazine, 1985). I took 66 strokes on the island hole at the TPC in Florida (losing 27 balls in the process) thus the 66 on my profile. For the whole gristly story: http://commodoreclub.org/administrative/257_for_18_holes.htm/

"Beat the Broncos...

DICK GROAT

Falling Below Mendoza Line

"P.B.& G." Editor brings another title home to Pittsburgh in 1985 as "Worst Avid Golfer". Click on the photo to see CBS' coverage!

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WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE DO AND WHY WE DO IT

"Pittsburgh's Black and Gold" is a regularly published blog site that is not sponsored or endorsed by any of the teams that it reports on (Steelers, Penguins, Pirates). All pictures are used here without prior permission. However, if we have used your picture and you would like us to take it down, we will gladly comply with your request. Our mission statement at "PB&G" is to provide an additional insight into all things Black & Gold both for current Pittsburgh residents and for those transplanted Pittsburghers who will always call "The 'Burgh" home.